Army Begins Disciplinary Action Against Soldier Over Death Of Commercial Driver In Ondo

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Nigerian Army has commenced disciplinary proceedings against a soldier involved in the death of a commercial bus driver near Akunu in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, October involved a driver whose vehicle developed a mechanical fault close to a military checkpoint at Akunu while heading to Abuja from Akure.

Passengers reportedly demanded a refund of their fares, leading one of them to call a soldier stationed at the checkpoint to intervene.

According to the 32 Artillery Brigade, the soldier in question acted unprofessionally, engaging in an altercation with the driver that turned physical and violated the Army’s Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct.

Upon learning of the incident, the brigade said it immediately evacuated the injured driver to a nearby medical facility, covered all medical expenses, and assigned an officer to monitor his treatment.

The victim was later referred to the Ondo State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and subsequently to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where he died on Monday, October 14, 2025.

In a statement signed by Major Njoka Irabor, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the brigade expressed deep sympathy to the deceased’s family and assured them of swift justice.

The Army pledged that the soldier would face the full consequences of his actions and that the outcome of the disciplinary process would be made public.

The brigade has also visited the family of the deceased and the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ondo State, promising to cover the burial expenses and support the education of the late driver’s children.

The Ondo State Government has commended the Army’s prompt response and its efforts to resolve the matter peacefully while prioritizing the welfare of the deceased’s family.